Q&A: Law may not cut it over a pruning problem

Question

Our neighbour planted trees along our boundary, blocking out light on half our property and causing mould on our driveway. How do we get our neighbour to prune them?

In the dark, Macmasters Beach

Answer

That driveway looks as if it might have a damp future, but perhaps not the rest of your property. If those trees block light to your windows or obstruct the view, and if they arguably constitute a hedge, part 2A of the Trees (Disputes between neighbours) Act 2006 allows you to apply to your local court to have them pruned. But if they are more a gathering of different gums, say, and therefore not a hedge, the Act won’t help. Perhaps offer to prune them yourself.

Question

I have to sell my mother’s townhouse and a neighbour has expressed an interest in buying. Once my solicitor has drawn up a contract, what other pitfalls should I be aware of?

Curious, Cremorne

Answer

Your solicitor should be able to guide you through this sale. The only pitfall is questionable expertise in balancing negotiations between you and the buyer as to a fair price. Have three appraisals of the property by local agents to get an idea of the townhouse’s value, and then split what would usually be the agent’s commission.